Every fifteenth of January is set aside to honour the memories of fallen Nigerian security operatives, especially members of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, support the families they left behind and to celebrate the gallant officers and their families who sacrifice daily to guarantee our collective safety
The Oyo State Deputy Governor; His Excellency Barr. Bayo Lawal led members of the Oyo State executive Council and the Joint Armed Forces community to observe a special Jumaat Service at Ibadan Central Mosque Oja’ba Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday which kick started a week long run of activities commemorating this year’s Armed Forces Celebration & Remembrance Week, a National Observance being celebrated simultaneously in all 36 state plus FCT of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
While speaking with newsmen at the end of the special Jumaat prayers, the state Deputy Governor,His Excellency Barr. Bayo Lawal said every citizen and resident of Nigeria must appreciate the members of the Security Community for opting to offer themselves to guarantee the peace & safety of the nation.
He stressed that nothing is too much to be deployed in recognition of the services being rendered selflessly, adding that those who paid the supreme price deserve honour and recognition of their selfless ultimate sacrifice
Also speaking on behalf of the Armed Forces community, the representative of the General Officer Commanding 2-Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Gambo Hassan said the occasion is a mark of respect for the dead and appreciation of the living heroes.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, led the congregation in prayers and offered supplications for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes, as well as divine protection and guidance for serving personnel across the country.
In his sermon, the revered cleric emphasized the critical role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He described their sacrifices as indispensable to the peace and stability enjoyed in the nation, urging citizens to continually support security agencies through prayers and cooperation.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere also called on government at all levels to sustain its commitment to the welfare of serving officers and the families of fallen heroes, stressing that adequate care and moral support remain vital to national security.
The Jumaat prayer marked the official kickoff of activities lined up for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Oyo State, with other events expected to climax in the Grand Finale ceremonial Laying of Wreaths on January the fifteenth.
Also accompanying the Deputy Governor at the event were the Secretary to the State Government; Prof Musibau Babatunde,Muslim Commissioners on the Oyo State State Executive Council,Executives of the ministry hosting the event;the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion and representatives of various reputable media outlets
Alhaja Aminat Busari-Adeleke
INFORMATION OFFICER MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION
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